Arming an adversary: Why Trump’s offer to sell China weapons belies US policy

Donald Trump suggested to Chinese President Xi Jinping that China consider purchasing US weapons, a remark that surprised many and was quickly denied by the US State Department, which clarified that no such plans are in place. US envoy to Beijing, David Perdue, mentioned Trump raised the idea during discussions about arms sales to Taiwan, though it is unclear if it occurred during their recent summit. The proposal is particularly striking given the US embargo on China since 1989 and ongoing tensions over Beijing's support for Iran and the US's conflict with Tehran. Experts dismissed the suggestion as lacking strategic logic, viewing it as a reflection of Trump's mercenary perspective on China.